Greetings:

If this painting on silk was executed in the traditional manner of Japanese
paintings, the best approach would be to have it mounted in the traditional
Japanese manner on a Japanese paper backing using a wheat start paste.  The
paper backing would provide support for the fragile silk.  Once it has the
backing it could then be matted and framed in the same manner as a work on
paper with paper hinges.  

There are a number of conservators in this country who have been trained in
this technique.  I recommend using the American Institute for Conservation
Guide to Conservation Services to find someone who can do it for you.
Here's the URL: http://aic.stanford.edu/public/select.html.

Hope this helps.
Wendy Jessup
Conservator
Wendy Jessup and Associates, Inc.
Care of Cultural Property
933 N. Kenmore Street, Suite 323
Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 522-2801
Fax: (703) 522-2802
www.collectioncare.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Vanya Scott
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 4:35 PM
Subject: Silk painting display question

Hello again,

A colleague would like to ask this august body for advice and ideas:

"I had a lady bring in a painting of her father done on silk in 1951 in
Japan, and 
is about 16" x 16". She was wanting to display it in some manner. Right now 
she has it folded in a Ziploc bag. If she wants it framed, would
encapsulating 
it in Mylar before framing be the right thing to do? Without any support, it
will 
eventually sag and slide down the frame. Stitching it to a muslin backing,
but 
as white and delicate as it is, not sure that would be the best move either.

Any ideas?"

Thanks in advance for all your help!

--Vanya Scott

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